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Brain Tumors/grade 4 brain tumor

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Expert: - 12/1/2007


Question
My sister had a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 tumor removed in May '07, seemed to be doing well with therapy, radiation and chemo but now has paralysis on her left side and tumor has returned.  What is the progression at this point, she is in the hospital on steroids?  What are the chances that she leaves the hospital?

Answer
Unfortunately the mortality rate of this tumor regardless of therapy is 100%. Therapy (surgery, radiation therapy & chemo therapy of any and every kind, anywhere, any time and by any and every one) can only prolong her survival time somewhat and temporarily decrease her symptoms somewhat. Her chances of a cure are, I'm sorry to say, 0 (zero). She may develop more stroke like symptoms and even epileptic fits. She will become more and more confused. Sleep more and more. Then drift into a coma and then pass away. There will be very little pain - if any. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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